I have my own predictions on the teams that might reach the last four. In this format, even a little prediction can turn to out to be a gamble since nothing is decided until the last ball is bowled. I can either be spot on or look like a fool, but that can only be decided after the results come out. The five teams that have the best chances to reach the last four are:
India – I start with my home-team, because like many I am a sentimentalist too. I think that India is one of the most well-balanced team, both in the batting and bowling departments. The openers are in good form and are complementing each other well. Sehwag can be a bit unreliable, but he still is our best bet as far as opening is concerned. And Gambhir, he is the perfect foil for Sehwag. He’s a shrewd cricketer who can both attack, as well as play around Sehwag, for the ones and twos quietly. The middle order is quite strong with the return of Yuvraj Singh. Though he is out of match practice, he can be dangerous on his day and a perfect match-winner for the team. Welcome back YUVI!! With Virat Kohli, Manoj Tiwary, Suresh Raina, MSD, Irfan and Ashwin, the batting looks solid. The only concern is the lack of form for Rohit Sharma. India can be well served if he is back to form soon. The bowling will be lead by Zaheer Khan. Ashok Dinda or L.Balaji can be good partners for him. Or Dhoni can go with Bhajji since Irfan can double up as the second seamer in the side.
West Indies - This is probably the hottest team on the circuit in the T20 format. Consisting of almost eight all-rounders, this team has all the perfect ingredients for a champion team. The openers Gayle and Dwayne Smith are T20 specialists and a blazing start from them would provide a perfect platform for the middle order.The middle order comprises of the Bravo brothers, Marlon Samuels, Pollard, Sammy and Russell. They bat very deep and it is an added advantage for the team.The fast bowling attack is also quite decent with the presence of Ravi Rampaul and Fidel Edwards backed by Sammy, Bravo, Russell and Pollard. The spin bowling is one of the main strengths of the team with the presence of the dynamic Sunil Narine, who is one of the world’s best T20 bowlers today, ably supported by the leggie Samuel Badree and the part timers Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle to some extent.
Pakistan – I’d be shocked if this team doesn’t make it into the semis, that too in subcontinent conditions. With the bowling attack comprising of the Ajmal, Afridi, Gul, Hafeez and Tanvir, their’s has got to be the best bowling attack in the competition. And with Razzaq filling on their all-rounder’s slot, their only concern is batting. If they manage to get their act together, then I would daresay, they are the team to beat!
Sri Lanka – The home team, though not in good form at the moment, are still a force to reckon with. A well-balanced side on paper, this side boasts of batsmen like Tillakaratne Dilshan, who on his day can turn a game on its head, the veterans Sangakkara and Jayawardene who can provide stability to the middle order mixed with some young talents. The all-rounders Mathews, Jeevan Mendis and Perera lend balance to their side with much effect.These players form the crux of the batting. In the bowling department though, Sri Lanka relies heavily upon “the slinga” Malinga who’s got to be among the world’s best T20 bowlers. On his day, he can win matches on his own. Apart from him, they have got some decent bowlers like Ajantha Mendis, Kulasekara, Herath and Eranga. Their strength would be to play around Malinga who is very crucial for their chances.
South Africa – I have added South Africa as an afterthought to my original four-team list considering the fact that they are the world No. 1 as of today and they are a very good team on their day.The team though lacks a quality spinner, who can win a match on his own and the middle order is bit shaky. It’ll be interesting to see who they open their batting with since there are more than enough choices for that spot. The key players are however Richard Levi, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla(who is on red hot form), AB deVilliers and Dale Steyn. On form, they can be a lethal team and can be quite unbeatable. But in order to win the cup, this team needs to overcome the “choker’s” tag first.
So my pick are these, but I dont deny that T20 is a funny game (cricket in itself, is a funny game), so any team can beat any team on any given day if they are on the top of their game. Even Bangladesh can qualify for the super eights ahead of New Zealand owing to the fact that they are playing in subcontinental conditions. There are certain key players in every team who can play a big role in their teams. I’m highlighting some of them below:
Ireland:
George Dockrell: The wily left-arm slow bowler will relish the slow conditions in Sri Lanka and can be good bowler.
William Porterfield: The skipper would be itching to get his team some glory by knocking of at least one major competitor from their group.
Australia:
Brad Hogg: The 41-year-old veteran could be a vital cog for Australia, if they have to go one step further than the last time.
Michael Hussey: The veteran southpaw would be hungry for runs as usual and being a good player of spin, he would look to lead his team in crisis.
Shane Watson: The 30-plus all-rounder is one of the most successful players of the shortest format. He will be needed to get his team a good start and to bowl few vital overs in the middle.
New Zealand:
Ross Taylor: The captain of the Kiwis is in form and would do well if he can capitalize on it.
Daniel Vettori: If he manages to play, he could be a very important asset for the Kiwis, for them to make an impact in the tourney.
Bangladesh:
Tamim Iqbal: The explosive southpaw is in good form which was evident in the recently concluded SLPL and his presence will boost the top order.
Shakib-Al-Hasan: The all-rounder is very experienced and that will surely be handy for the team if they are to make it into the super eights or even further.
Zimbabwe:
Brendan Taylor: He is a very good top order batsman and his form is very crucial to the team’s chances.
Hamilton Masakdza: The highest run-getter in the recently concluded tri-series, his presence at the top will provide the much needed balance to the team.
Afganistan:
Mohammad Nabi: This guy played an useful knock against Australia and can be crucial to their middle order. He bowls well too.
Asghar Stanikzai: The middle order batsman played well against Australia. More knocks from him could take his team over the line.
So this tournament which is evenly poised on paper is all set to roll soon and its gonna be a viewer’s delight I’d reckon!
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